Best portable MP3 players 2023: budget to hi-res music players

Portable music player: Astell & Kern A&norma SR25 MKII
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)

Whether you want to save your phone's memory (and battery) or need your on-the-go sound to be as good as it can possibly be, look no further than our pick of the best MP3 players on the planet.

Despite the demise of the iPod (Apple waved goodbye to the last remaining model in May 2022), the traditional portable music player has by no means been consigned to the scrapheap. The iPod, and latterly the smartphone, may have come to dominate the mainstream market, but there's so much more to discover than those products sporting a piece of half-eaten fruit stamped on the back. 

While smartphones now satisfy most users' demand for on-the-go musical delivery, there are still dozens of dedicated players that can go even further in delivering high-quality audio from your pocket. Thanks to hands-on testing for each and every one of the products below from our expert listening team, you can rest assured you'll find the ideal music player for the right price. 

We've tested many players from Cowon, FiiO, Sony and more over the years, although the more premium Astell & Kerns are having a stellar year (or two) and continue to dominate our best lists – for the moment. Below, we've rounded up the current best MP3 players across a range of prices to ensure you know exactly what to look for and where to find it. 

How to choose the best portable MP3 player for you

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Whatever your budget, you will be surprised at what you can get for your money these days. Every player here supports MP3 and AAC files of course, but we can all do better than that in 2023. All of the models below also support high-resolution audio files (such as DSD, FLAC and PCM files), with some also adding native MQA playback to that compatibility list, so you can listen to hi-res Tidal Masters through compatible players and playback downloaded MQA music in the best sound quality possible.

Astell & Kern A&norma MkII portable music player

The Astell & Kern A&norma SR25 MKII portable player is far more capable than any smartphone. (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner. Astell & Kern has squeezed even more performance out of its superb entry-level player.

Specifications

Storage: 64GB (expandable by 1TB via microSD)
Max file support: 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256, MQA
Headphone outputs: 3.5mm, balanced 2.5mm, Pentaconn 4.4mm
Battery life: 20 hours
Dimensions: 10.8 x 6.3 x 1.6cm
Weight: 178g

Reasons to buy

+
Entertaining and expressive sound
+
Streaming service integration
+
Full MQA decoding

Reasons to avoid

-
64GB internal storage might not be enough for some
-
Sharp corners

The Astell & Kern A&norma SR25 MKII is the latest in what has been a long line of excellent, What Hi-Fi? Award-winning, ‘entry-level’ portable music players. And each new generation invariably proves more talented than the last. 

The SR25 MKII doesn’t let us down, propelling its lineage forward from the 2018-introduced A&norma SR15 to set a new performance benchmark, nabbing a What Hi-Fi? 2022 Award once again.

Notably more expressive and eloquent than any other portable music player we have encountered at this price, and far beyond anything that smartphones are capable of, the SR25 MKII demonstrates just how good music on the move can sound, while also remaining reasonably affordable. And we stress the word 'reasonably': because while it pushes performance forward, it also pushes what is acceptable as an entry-level price.

Still, if your budget can stretch to it, this is a truly stunning player with superb build quality to match. 

Read the full review: Astell & Kern A&norma SR25 MKII

Best portable MP3 players: Astell & Kern A&futura SE180

The Astell & Kern A&futura SE180 makes no compromises, offering up a customisable PMP with swappable DACs. (Image credit: Astell & Kern)
What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner. Astell & Kern’s quirkiest player yet also delivers an astonishing performance.

Specifications

Storage: 256GB (expandable by 1TB via microSD)
Max file support: 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256, MQA
Headphone outputs: 3.5mm, balanced 2.5mm
Battery life : 10 hours
Dimensions: 13.7 x 7.7 x 2cm
Weight: 280g

Reasons to buy

+
Engrossing sound quality
+
Interchangeable modular DAC design
+
Strong features and user experience

Reasons to avoid

-
Extra DAC modules are relatively pricey

How about a customisable PMP with interchangeable DAC modules? That's the idea here – and we liked it so much, we gave it What Hi-Fi? 2021 and 2022 Awards. The SE180 is the third model in Astell & Kern’s near-flagship A&futura range, following the inaugural SE100 and SE200, both of which gained Awards from this very publication in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

To personally tailor your sound, the SE180 goes one step further than the slightly older SE200 (which has two user-selectable DAC configurations built into the player) in that it features an interchangeable DAC module design. The concept: Astell & Kern releases a series of DAC modules, all with different sonic characters, so that owners can purchase them and swap them in over the standard supplied module, if they so wish.

Of course, these can be considered optional extras; experimental paths that can be taken or completely ignored. After all, the SE180 is an all-in-one player in itself, with the default module containing the ESS ES9038PRO DAC. It supports 32-bit/384kHz PCM, native DSD256 and MQA audio and has 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs to cater for a wide range of headphones.

With built-in wi-fi as well as direct access to streaming service apps in its menu, the SE180 doesn’t make hard work of your music however you would like to play it. Whether you consider the modular design valuable or not, even straight from the box, the SE180 is one of the best performance-per-pound offerings in the company’s line-up.

Read the full review: Astell & Kern A&futura SE180

Best portable MP3 players: Astell & Kern A&ultima SP2000

The Astell & Kern A&ultima SP2000 isn't very portable but it's a one-of-a-kind PMP. (Image credit: Astell & Kern)
Not very portable or accessibly priced, but this premium option sounds like no other portable music player we have heard.

Specifications

Storage: 512GB (expandable by 1TB via microSD)
Max file support: 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, MQA
Headphone outputs: 3.5mm, 2.5mm balanced
Battery life: 8 hours
Dimensions: 13 x 8 x 1.6 cm
Weight: 430g

Reasons to buy

+
Best music player we've heard
+
Vast streaming features
+
Gorgeous and intuitive
+
Ample internal storage

Reasons to avoid

-
Average battery life
-
Chunky build

Not many portable music players will find common ground with the SP2000 – and that goes for its premium price, build and performance. This is a one-of-a-kind player, which is as impractically portable as it is inaccessibly priced.

If it were a car, it would be a Bentley Arnage – a luxurious ride for special occasions, rather than something to use for the weekly shop.

As a high-end music player – both as a straight-up portable music player in a desirable headphones set-up and as a streaming-capable source for your speaker-led hi-fi – the A&ultima SP2000 is the sort of musical and multi-talented device that is otherwise hard to come by. 

Its neutral balance opts for refinement and sophistication over outright liveliness, but that’s no criticism. This is a subtle presentation, rather than a barnstormer, which befits its high-end price tag. Forgive its weight and average battery life, and you won’t be sorry you chose this fantastic-sounding device.

Read the full review: Astell & Kern A&ultima SP2000

Portable music player: FiiO M11S

The FiiO M11S is an admirable music player with a likeable sound and intuitive Android OS.  (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
A solid entry-level music player from FiiO with ample features, offering a decent alternative to A&K's market stranglehold.

Specifications

Storage: 32GB (expandable by 2TB via microSD)
Max file support: 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256, MQA
Headphone outputs: 3.5mm, balanced 2.5mm, balanced 4.4mm
Battery life: 14 hours
Dimensions: 12.5 x 7.4 x 1.9cm
Weight: 271g

Reasons to buy

+
Big, open, smooth sound 
+
Extensive features 
+
Intuitive Android OS

Reasons to avoid

-
Only 32GB of storage
-
Slightly sub-par battery life 
-
Sound lacks dynamic punch and top-notch timing 

While our lists of the best portable music players are somewhat dominated by Astell & Kern, it's been gratifying to find some market variety in the shape of the recently-released FiiO M11S. The Chinese brand hasn't quite cracked the nut by edging out the more established class leader in this 'entry-level' price bracket, but it's done a fine job of at least making us think that there could be other runners in this particular race.

The M11S is a fine portable music player, too, a chunky, well-built item that benefits from a logically laid out and attractive interface that most people will become au fait with within a few minutes. The feature list is admirable, with full hi-res audio support, multiple headphone outputs, streaming via Bluetooth (LDAC, aptX HD, LHDC codecs supported) and AirPlay. 

Sound-wise, the M11S offers a wide-open, comfortable sound that's easy to listen to. There's sonic clarity and openness, but it does tend to give its songs a more easygoing, unobtrusive presentation instead of opting for a fun, expressive punch. It's not quite as adept as the Astell & Kern players in underpinning the rhythmic elements of a song, so you might find peppy, upbeat numbers slightly dulled by FiiO's lack of fizz.

Still, it's great to see more choices appear in this 'entry-level' price bracket, and the M11S is a solid alternative with its smooth sound and pleasingly broad feature set.

Read the full review: FiiO M11S

How we test portable music players 

We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London, Reading and Bath, where our team of experienced, in-house reviewers tests the majority of hi-fi and AV kit that passes through our door, including the higher-end portable music players that might well be used in a portable hi-fi or desktop scenario.

These music players are placed in our pockets during the review period too, of course, so we can gauge how portable and easy to use on the fly they really are.

Most important in our reviewing process is that each product is compared with the best in its price and class. What Hi-Fi? is all about comparative testing, so we keep our Award winners nearby to enable comparisons between new products and ones we know perform highly in the category.

We are always impartial and do our utmost to make sure we are hearing every product at its very best, so we try plenty of different types of music (and music files) and give each plenty of listening time (and time to run in). We use a range of headphones at levels likely to suit a certain player, too.

It's not just about sound quality, of course. If a product has noteworthy features – such as battery life, built-in streaming services and DAC-performing abilities, in the case of portable music players – we always ensure part of our testing involves testing the claims made by its makers. 

All review verdicts are agreed upon by the entire team, rather than an individual reviewer, to eliminate any personal preference and to make sure we are being as thorough as possible. There is no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict. At What Hi-Fi?, we are proud to deliver honest, unbiased reviews – something we have been doing consistently for more than 45 years. 

MORE:

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These are the best smartphones around right now

Get clued up, stat: MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC: all the audio file formats explained

Staff writer

Harry McKerrell is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. He studied law and history at university before working as a freelance journalist covering TV and gaming for numerous platforms both online and in print. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or forcing himself to go long-distance running.

With contributions from
  • Escudos999
    I definitely think either, or both, the Shanling M0 or new Q1 DAP/DACs should be on this list, great UI, flexibility, sound and prices £80 for M0 and around £110 for Q1. I love the 1950s retro style of the Q1.
    Reply
  • Blasterinn
    Where is the Fiio M15? The Ibasso players and Hiby too?
    And this astell & kern adoration is getting a bit tired, they are quality players but do not deserve all this adoration.
    How about Luxury Precision P6 R2R DAP?
    I just think this list is in desperate need of a rethink/refresh.
    Reply
  • Navanski
    I own an LG V30 smartphone. It cost me €150 new, open box. It has a quad DAC and can drive my 300ohm HD580s.
    Previous to getting this phone I bought a Fiio X3 mk II and a Fiio M6. The UI on the phone is many times better than either of the DAPs. In a blind test I doubt very much whether I would be able to distinguish the audio output of the phone against either DAP.
    Not only that but the V30 is really good phone despite it's age.
    I am selling both the DAPs if I can find some one who is willing to buy them, given the above. LG phones are just killing the DAP.
    Reply
  • crunchbangyou
    This is a freaking Astell & Kern list, needs a serious rethinking.

    @Navanski - Completely agree with you. LG phones with dacs are so much better for a great price. Apart from owning two FiiO players and a FiiO amp, I have a LG G7 which I use only for music. Also picked a brand new LG G7 One to stock till LG G7 gives away. The user experience is so much better and no compromise on SQ too.
    Reply
  • Navanski
    What Hi-Fi? said:
    You can listen to music on your phone of course, but if you want optimum sound quality, only a dedicated player will do.

    Best portable music players 2019: from budget to hi-res music : Read more
    I own an LG V30 smartphone. It cost me €150 new, open box. It has a quad DAC and can drive my 300ohm HD580s.
    Previous to getting this phone I bought a Fiio X3 mk II and a Fiio M6. The UI on the phone is many times better than either of the DAPs. In a blind test I doubt very much whether I would be able to distinguish the audio output of the phone against either DAP.
    Not only that but the V30 is really good phone despite it's age. This was a top spec flagship phone less than 4 years ago
    I am selling both the DAPs if I can find some one who is willing to buy them, given the above. LG phones are just killing the DAP.

    Disagree with this and John Darko's similar experience if you think you can.
    Reply
  • Navanski
    What Hi-Fi? said:
    You can listen to music on your phone of course, but if you want optimum sound quality, only a dedicated player will do.

    Best portable music players 2019: from budget to hi-res music : Read more
    You back that up with any evidence and I will gladly prove you wrong.
    Reply
  • Tanihifi1
    Gentlemen, I wonder why Fiio M17 is not on your list. As nmore people said above, you are A&K addicted, and that's not fair.
    There is not even a review of Fiio M17 on What Hi-Fi site. Is there any reason you didn't consider this? Thanks for a reply...if you read this comment.
    Reply
  • Navanski
    Tanihifi1 said:
    Gentlemen, I wonder why Fiio M17 is not on your list. As nmore people said above, you are A&K addicted, and that's not fair.
    There is not even a review of Fiio M17 on What Hi-Fi site. Is there any reason you didn't consider this? Thanks for a reply...if you read this comment.
    You are so right. I think there is a tendency to ignore Chi-fi together with a distinct bias towards certain brands. Someone with a less open mind might suggest brown envelopes were involved.
    Reply
  • davidnewbie
    Plenue D is worth a listen
    Reply
  • Jasonovich
    Love AK, love FiiO, love Shanling, Caylin, HiBy etc etc but take a breath, don't waste your money. There's a new kid on the block, very hi-spec Android DAP and these little solid metal wonders are less than £300 and blows the socks off FiiO M11s, not just musicality but also functionality. Top notch design, silky smooth touch screen, the name is TempoTec Variation V6. TeeTee VeeVee should roll off everybody's tongue!
    Please check the reviews on Youtube.
    Reply